“We observed that many cases emerged at the beginning of this year, so we must suppress them quickly. Otherwise, the disease can spread everywhere, especially with the Eid holiday approaching,” Sadikin said Thursday after attending the signing of a joint ministerial decree on children’s mental health.
He stressed that immunization remains the most effective safeguard, noting the measles vaccine has been used for decades worldwide to curb transmission.
Parents must take responsibility to protect their children by ensuring they receive measles immunization, he said.
Sadikin warned that children under five are particularly vulnerable, with measles capable of causing fatal complications.
He added that refusing immunization endangers not only individual children but also schools and communities.
Health Ministry data showed suspected measles cases in 2025 reached 63,769, with 67 deaths.
In 2026, 8,810 suspected cases and five deaths were recorded. Around 67 percent of confirmed cases had no history of immunization.
Outbreaks were reported in 87 districts and cities in 2025, and in 24 districts and cities at the start of 2026.
Ten regions—including Medan, Padang, Garut, Sleman, Jember, Pamekasan, Tangerang, Tojo Una-Una, Makassar, and Deli Serdang—experienced outbreaks for two consecutive years.
Translator: Prisca, Kenzu
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2026
